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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL)

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Legislative Update - March 19, 2015

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Dear Neighbors,

On Tuesday, Governor Dayton unveiled his supplemental budget proposal, which directs 80% of the budget surplus to support investments in Minnesota kids and families. The Governor's supplemental budget proposal would use the surplus to invest in free universal pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-olds and increase funding for every K-12 public school in Minnesota. Additionally, the proposal would invest in higher education to make college more affordable for students and their families. Dayton’s proposal would deliver $187 million in tax credits for child care and working families, and raise wages for low-income working families for the first time in nearly 30 years. It would also provide additional funding for nursing homes, public safety improvements, and affordable housing. If you’re interested in learning more, you may read materials on the supplemental budget here.

Good News: Taxes are down for 9 out of 10 Minnesotans

Tax rates are decreasing for nine in ten Minnesotans (those earning less than $140,690), according to the 2015 Minnesota Department of Revenue Tax Incidence Study. The Tax Incidence Study indicates that by 2017, tax rates will drop for 9 in 10 Minnesotans compared to 2012 taxes. The annual study focuses on the relative tax burden for Minnesotans with different income levels and gives lawmakers a glimpse of the state and local tax structure, reflecting current tax law. The study defines “effective” tax rates as the ratio of taxes paid to income. This study also helps inform our debate as we craft the state’s next two-year budget.

In 2013 there was $177 million in direct property tax relief, benefitting nearly 1 million Minnesotans. That direct tax relief achieved the intended results. The overall tax burden has become more fair across different levels of income. In addition, wage growth has outpaced taxes in recent years. To see the full Tax Incidence Report, you can click here.

Food Hub Bill Presented in Ag Committee

One area emerging as a growth opportunity that touches lives on a local level is community supported agriculture and the use of food hubs to help connect small and medium size farmers with local markets. Food hub development has become a focus in the local food movement as an opportunity to provide scale-appropriate infrastructure to small and mid-sized farmers.

I have authored legislation (HF 1499) that would provide funds to the Department of Agriculture for grants to communities to develop or expand food hubs and other alternative community-based food distribution systems, including a food hub for local producers in Duluth.

Duluth Children’s Museum

Legislation I’ve authored to provide grant funding for the Duluth Children’s Museum was recently heard in the Education Finance committee. My bill (HF 1344) would appropriate $200,000 from the state general fund to the Commissioner of Education for a grant to the Duluth Children’s Museum for “hands-on” science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibits. The bill was “held-over” and the chair may include it in her omnibus education finance bill which will be debated and voted on later in session.

Daniel Fanning, representing the City of Duluth, recently joined me presenting a bill to the Commerce Committee.

Local Pastors were recently guests on the House floor. Pictured here with Rick Edwards, who delivered the prayer by the chaplain in the House Chamber on March 12, with his wife Cathy Schuyler.

Presenting my Food Hub legislation (HF 1499) with Greg Schweser, Associate Director - Local Foods and Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Minnesota.

Disappointing Actions on MinnesotaCare and MNsure

It has been a disappointing two weeks in the Health and Human Services Reform Committee. The House majority party members have passed bills to replace MNsure with the federal health insurance exchange. Our own Minnesota-based exchange has brought about historic low rates of uninsured individuals. You can read my comments and background on that vote here. Additionally, the majority party passed another bill that would end health care for nearly 100,000 low income Minnesotans who receive their health coverage through MinnesotaCare assistance. I’m troubled by the eagerness to cut taxes for corporations, while ending health coverage for the most vulnerable Minnesota citizens, including over 3,300 individuals in St. Louis County. You can read MPR’s coverage of the vote here and my response here.

Community input drives my decision-making at the legislature. Please contact me anytime with your comments, questions and concerns. I appreciate hearing from you. During the legislative session, my office in St. Paul can be reached by email at Rep.Jennifer.Schultz@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-2228.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Schultz

State Representative